Santa Barbara, which first appeared on the list in 2015, gets more than 7.2 million visitors per year.

More than 400,000 readers took part in the annual survey.

Several Santa Barbara area hotels were named as winners under the survey’s “Top Hotels in Southern California” category, including Hotel Californian, Belmond El Encanto and Kimpton Canary Hotel. In addition, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara and The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara won under the category of “Top Resorts in Southern California.”

“We’re thrilled to be named a top U.S. destination by Condé Nast Traveler readers and proud to see so many Santa Barbara South Coast hotels and resorts recognized,” said Visit Santa Barbara President and CEO Kathy Janega-Dykes. “Santa Barbara has a way of making travelers feel like they’re in a little pocket of paradise when here. The natural beauty, diversity of activities and attractions, vibrant restaurants and world-class wine country offer visitors an unparalleled quintessential California experience.”